E-visa validity might be extended to 60 days

NEW DELHI: In a bid to further boost foreign tourist arrivals, government is considering doubling the validity of an etourist visa from 30 days to 60 days, apart from allowing at least two entries on it. An e-tourist visa holder at present is entitled to a single entry.

Another important proposal being discussed in the home ministry is extending the electronic visa facility to medical tourists. "We are considering facilitating foreign nationals who visit India for short-term medical treatment by issuing them an e-visa," an official said.

This means that they can apply for an e-medical visa online and be issued an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) via email. They will only need to fly in with a printout of ETA or e-medical visa to clear immigration at designated airports across India," a home ministry official said.